Critique..and where to go next...

[Esther.D]

Ok you clever people out there...have a new combination to critique...

Here is Rupert under saddle...I know there are issues with my position in this pic and I think I have picked up all of them (many were solved by taking off the body protector and changing saddles as that one slipped forward) ..but feel free to critique anyway...

[Esther.D]

Here we are again - the saddle slid forwards and as you can see from this pic tipped me forward badly..said saddle has now found a new home via ebay :D

Unfortunately I have yet to get a new saddle so no good saddle pics I'm afraid..so I know they are not ideal to criticique as there were saddle issues affecting both of us..


Please critique us anyway and add constructive suggestions :)

[Esther.D]

Couldn't find a proper conformation shot..but this will have to do..

[tillynz]

He's a real sweetie isn't he???

One thing I noticed was your hands. I know it sounds simple but it's just so easy to forget, but you gotta keep the thumbs up. It makes your wrists softer, and you get a better feel on your horses month. It is also moving giving for them, and they are more likely to give to you.

He looks very active and happy though, and he is lovely.
How big is he?????

[DavidH]

Very little wrong here if you remove the stiffness caused by the body protector;)

Overall a very good body position from head to toe (first pic)

Only comment I would make is to lift your hand slightly and adjust your rein so that you can have a bend at the elbow which will give you a better feel of the horses mouth and make your arms independant of your body.

Lets have more pics when you get them

[Esther.D]

One thing I noticed was your hands. I know it sounds simple but it's just so easy to forget, but you gotta keep the thumbs up

You have picked up on one of my big bad habits - My instructor used to tell me I look like I am pushing a shopping trolley :o

Thanks both...I will watch those hands :rolleyes:

Without the body protector I felt so much more comfortable and more relaxed I have left it off totally at the moment as we are doing no jumping or anything.

tillynz - he is 13.1hh...and I am 5ft :)

I will get more photos as soon as we get the new saddle (a couple of weeks to wait unfortunately as we are away this weekend and the saddler is away the weekend after :rolleyes: typical!). But we have found an arena to hire so you might get some proper pics in an arena next time!

[ucandoit]

maybe drop your heels a bit? In the top photo they look good but in the bottom they are perhaps up a bit. You have a lovely line from you elbow to the bit. He is so darn cute, he reminds me of a pony I used to have.